Greenspace in Barcelona: an Analysis of User Preferences

Abstract

A study of green space in Barcelona was undertaken during 2003 within the framework of a European research project involving various cities. The research objectives for the case of Barcelona, within the overall objectives of the project were: to study user preferences and interests related to green spaces in the city; to identify user needs and the deficiencies existing in different types of green space available in Barcelona; and to propose innovative measures, in the hope that this might have an influence on future policy decisions on green space provision in this city. In the densely populated city of Barcelona, there is an evident premium on space. Most green spaces are peripheral and it is almost impossible to increase the total area of greenspace within the city. Emphasis had therefore to be placed on analysing and making proposals related to existing spaces. As a result, the analysis focused on user preferences, and the provision of amenities in consequence. More specifically answers were sought to questions such as: variations in the perceptions of different user groups to the various types of greenspace; variations in the patterns of use of green space by them, in order to identify preferences and pinpoint deficits; and the evaluation that different groups of people in different contexts made of existing greenspace.The methodological tools applied in order to accomplish these objectives were: a preliminary qualitative research inquiry based on focus groups; followed by a questionnaire survey including questions on preferences and patterns of use; and several scenarios of choice experiments where people's preferences on specific issues - design, facilities, security - were explored through photographs of existing parks in the city. Thirteen focus groups were created, and this research led to the establishment of a list of suitable attributes for analysing Barcelona's greenspaces and identified the main uses of greenspaces. In view of the size of Barcelona and the uneven spread of greenspace, the main questionnaire was carried out in three districts of the city were diverse options of greenspace existed and hence users had a real opportunity of making a choice. This criteria was combined with that of the most frequent green space user groups based on the age variable: young people, adults with children, elderly people. Both the questionnaires and the choice experiments were administrated among these user types.The various research tools revealed different patterns of use: daily, regular and occasional users, depending largely on the availability of greenspace and the type of facilities people had near their homes or to which they had easy access. The principal needs that people identified in relation to green spaces were: better maintenance and cleanliness (in which dog excrement was considered a major problem); surveillance; basic infrastructure provision (i.e. toilets were seen as necessary by all groups); and activities for different age groups (especially for teenagers). At a more general level, people considered that greenspaces were important for the city and for the quality of life, as the tranquillity and contact with nature they afford were seen as a major advantage -to combat pollution and for well-being- although they considered that the number of such areas in Barcelona -and investment in their upkeep- was insufficient. The large number of cemented squares in the city was heavily criticised, so it would appear that more spaces with natural elements would be required. Notwithstanding, the space which was most highly valued does not conform to this description, as it is a tree-lined pedestrian street precinct with benches and children's playgrounds. It was highly valued for its social functions at neighbourhood level.In Barcelona there are some emblematic parks that most people know and visit but the frequent use of small open spaces (such as squares and pedestrian zones) to which people go because they are close to their homes, was also a constant. This fact has led us to conclude that the widespread provision of some form of open space throughout the city is essential for the well-being of the population. Barcelona's beaches also constitute an important component of open space in the city. They were considered of great value not only for individuals and their neighbourhood, but especially for the city.Finally, the choice experiments revealed that the aspects which people most valued in park design were the presence of natural elements, such as grass and trees, combined with activity facilities. While recognising the need to insert such parks in a densely built-up environment, they would prefer some form of screening to isolate the parks from these surroundings, for aesthetic reasons, tranquillity and safety.